The Power of Prayer

Good Morning Manna Family,
 
The power of prayer and its outcomes are truly a mystery to me. It seems that some prayers are not answered and others are. Like some of you, tragedy has befallen my family over the years, which left me broken and crying out to God. What I have learned is a simple truth, which is that God ALWAYS hears our prayers. He answers them in ways that are beyond our understanding – sometimes He answers “not now,” sometimes “yes” or “no,” or in some cases in silence that can become deafening. However, He always hears them. Last night I heard Him shout loudly in answer to the many prayers for Dianne. It is with great joy that I write to you regarding a wonderful answer to prayer as well as a prayer for which we hopeful.
 
First, a praise report. Dianne’s surgery yesterday went as well as anyone could have anticipated. When Dianne was finally wheeled in for surgery at 3:40 p.m., after almost a two-hour delay, the surgeon found no presence of cancer and only needed to remove a two-centimeter lymphoid. The presence of more could have meant complications with pain and swelling in the years ahead. Dianne came through the surgery very strong and both surgeons, one to remove the tumor and one for reconstruction, could not have been more pleased with the results. We need to wait a few days for the final pathology report, but the preliminary report suggests an “all clear” finding. I cannot thank you enough for your continued commitment of prayer and love for Dianne and our family. The final leg of this journey is still before us, including radiation next month which will last 30 days, and then final reconstructive surgery in six months, but we are believing the toughest part of this process is behind us. Dianne has proven to be more than a fighter, with her gracious, loving positive spirit as she continues to take this all in stride. Again, from all of us in the Saber family, we love and appreciate you more than you will ever know.
 
This week as our leadership team is working through the day-to-day evaluation of sales and cash management, we believe there may be a bright spot on the horizon. In addition to all of you out there street fighting for every sale – and trust me, compared to the Panera system at large, you are daily demonstrating a heart to win for your associates and guests -- we believe the CareAct announced by the US government might help us weather this storm in ways we could never have imagined. I would ask you to put forth the same heart of prayer toward this coming to fruition as you have for Dianne, your associates and your guests. We will know this week how Manna will be positioned in relation to the CareAct, which will dictate how healthy we will be over the next 90 days and, more importantly, how long we can weather this battle with an invisible enemy. So I would ask you to pray for God’s helping and merciful hand over Manna and the rest of the company. I would also ask you to lift up all of our people and their extended families each day. None of us can know all that is happening in each household in the Manna Family, but I am sure many are struggling with issues beyond their control, whether it be a sick loved one, someone who has lost their job, or just the ongoing stress of the unknown. Without mentioning names or issues, please lift each one up in prayer. The Lord will answer your prayers. He knows our every need. The Bible tells us, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16  
 
Thank you again for your steadfastness in these difficult times and for your heart to care for others and exemplify all that Manna stands for day-by-day. God bless and keep you.  
 
In His Grace,
 
Paul Saber
 
President/CEO Manna Development Group
1 Peter 4:8-11
Every Guest Every Time
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